Recognise Covishield or expect reciprocal action, India tells UK

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 21

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has urged new UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss for an early resolution of the quarantine issue in “mutual interest” even as Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla described London’s recent decision not to recognise Covishield as “discriminatory” and hinted at reciprocal action if amends were not made.

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Jaishankar flagged the new British rules to Truss during a meeting in New York. The new rules stipulate self-isolation for 10 days for incoming Indian travellers vaccinated with Covishield. India’s other vaccine, Covaxin, is not in the contention at all since it is yet to be recognised by the WHO.

“Have raised the discriminatory nature of UK vaccine recognition for AstraZeneca but not Covishield. Discussions on, but if they do not satisfy us, we would be well within our rights to take reciprocal action,” observed Shringla.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said he had cancelled a visit to Britain as it was “offensive to ask fully vaccinated Indians to quarantine.”

“The non-recognition of Covishield is a discriminating policy and impacts our citizens travelling to the UK. The EAM has raised the issue strongly with the new UK Foreign Secretary,” said Shringla at a pres conference. “I am told that certain assurances have been given that this issue would be resolved,” he added.